AIM-54C: Rebirth of a Missile

Hughes Aircraft Company: The AIM-54 Phoenix is a radar-guided, long-range air-to-air missile (AAM), carried in clusters of up to six missiles on the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, its only operational launch platform. The Phoenix was the United States' only long-range air-to-air missile. The combination of Phoenix missile and the AN/AWG-9 guidance radar was the first aerial weapons system that could simultaneously engage multiple targets. Due to its active radar tracking, the brevity code "Fox Three" was used when firing the AIM-54.

The Phoenix missile was the Navy's only long-range air-to-air missile. It was an airborne weapons control system with multiple-target handling capabilities, used to kill multiple air targets with conventional warheads. Near simultaneous launch was possible against up to six targets in all weather and heavy jamming environments. The improved Phoenix, the AIM-54C, could better counter projected threats from tactical aircraft and cruise missiles.

1980:
Prototype AIM-54C delivery completed with 15 models to the US Navy.

First AIM-54C flight tests.

November 18, 1980: After eight years and nine months of production, Hughes delivered the 2,505th (and last) AIM-54A Phoenix missile, Serial Number 79120. This signaled the end of one era and the beginning of another, with the start of production of the Improved Phoenix, the AIM-54C. In keeping with its mythical name, the AIM-54C was an old Phoenix that had been reborn, and was ready to live on.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIM-54_...

https://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_di...

Notes: Hughes Aircraft Company made this promotional film in 1980, when only F-14As were in service. The F-14s used in this video are block F-14B-145 through 155GR F-14s (either F-14As that were converted to A+/Bs or F-14s built as F-14A+/Bs).

Also featured in the VHS documentary, Weapons of War:
   • WEAPONS OF WAR DOCUMENTARY  

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